Bill Cosby's Honorary Degree Revoked by BU

By Patrick Luce (Patch Staff)

Citing his “treatment of women” that “fails to reflect the integrity and virtues” of the school, Boston University has revoked comedian Bill Cosby’s honorary degree.

The university made the decision after more than 50 women have accused the comedian of sexually assaulting them since the mid-1960’s.

Cosby was given an an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the 2014 University Commencement. B.U. joins Tufts University in revoking the degree, along with 20 other schools across the country.

The school released the following statement following the decision:

“After careful consideration, the Boston University Board of Trustees has voted to revoke the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree that was conferred on Bill Cosby at the University’s Commencement ceremony in May 2014. The Board’s decision was based on a determination, supported by Mr. Cosby’s sworn deposition testimony, that his treatment of women has brought significant and lasting discredit upon himself and is inconsistent with the University’s mission and values. Mr. Cosby’s admitted conduct, which the University learned about only after awarding him the degree, demonstrates that his character fails to reflect the integrity and virtues that the University values and esteems in members of its community, and in those persons the University holds up for this particular honor.”

Photo credit: Andrew Meyers